The smells, the sights, the flavors - food festivals are a multisensory experience and South Carolinians can't seem to get enough of them. Not only do they showcase the best of local bounty, but they provide a stage for dedicated farmers who harvest from both land and sea, and chefs whose inspired treatment of food products create sensational dishes that thrill and wow.

Five days of pure gastronomic pleasure at the epicenter of South Carolina's robust food scene happens at the end of February into March. Celebrity chefs, tons of tastings, a culinary village filled with food, drinks and gadgets, educational seminars, and sumptuous dine-arounds with lauded guest chefs across the nation make this a must for culinarians.

The Grand Strand struts its stuff at the three-day fest in September. Myrtle Beach is home to more restaurants per capita than any other city in the state, so it stands to reason they want to show off some of their finest food offerings. Cooking competitions, celebrity chefs, casual noshing and elegant dinners are some of the highlights of this food festival.

A full week of savoring local seafood is on the menu during this February festival. Take a master culinary class, enjoy live entertainment, see celebrity chefs in action and, best of all, eat your fill of fresh South Carolina seafood.